23 September, 2016

France paying over $11M annually to former presidents

Former French presidents cost taxpayers more than $US11
million each year to pay for apartments, vehicles, travel and phone
expenses, according to a report released by French media outlet
Mediapart.

The report said that each former head of state receives
more than $US70,000 in addition to a furnished apartment, personal
car and chauffeurs, domestic assistants, and free travel by trains
and aircraft.

Nicolas Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012 and
has announced he is a candidate for the office in 2017 election,
received nearly $US250,000 from taxpayers for his posh Paris
apartment, as well as phone lines and vehicle expenses. Sarkozy also
reportedly received $US400,000 in taxpayer money to pay staff
salaries.

Valery Giscard d'Estaing, who was president from 1974 to
1981, reportedly receives around $US300,000 in taxpayers expenses per
year to cover his apartment, petrol and press subscriptions.